Hello!
My laptop is a DEL Inspiron 8200.I've had it for 4 years now. About a year ago, while I was working, the charger went dead while connected to the computer. I changed the socket and it was working fine again for a few hours. Then the adaptor kept going dead more and more often. I bought a new adaptor from DELL but I had the same problem all over again, (which suggests it is not an adaptor problem).
Now the computer will not work with the charger on if the battery is removed. Generally the laptop only turns on if the battery is present and the only way it allows me to re-charge the battery is if the laptop is turned off (and even then it will only charge it for 10min).

I contacted Dell when the problem first originated, they said it is a hardware problem and i will have to send the laptop in for servicing. I asked them to give me a quotation but they never did. I asked them again a few times, and even though they kept saying they would (last time I tried was months ago) they never did.

Can anyone help me?
thank you!

I'm afraid that it does sound like Dell is right. There is a problem either with the socket in the laptop where you plug the power adaptor in or a problem in the internal power circuitry. There is a small chance that the socket is on a PCB card that plugs into the motherboard but it's more likely that it's all part of the motherboard. In which case, you'll need a new motherboard. Dell's quote for that (if you were ever to receive it) would be more than the cost of finding another Inspiron 8200 on Ebay and sticking your hard disk in it.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news

If you want to part-exchange your faulty 8200 against a new Dell, get in touch through my web site or through a Private Message here on D-A-L.com